Achievement Standard: Year 8 History
By the end of Year 8, students recognise and explain patterns of change and continuity over time. They explain the causes and effects of events and developments. They identify the motives and actions of people at the time. Students explain the significance of individuals and groups and how they were influenced by the beliefs and values of their society. They describe different interpretations of the past. Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework with reference to periods of time. When researching, students develop questions to frame an historical inquiry. They analyse, select and organise information from primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. Students identify and explain different points of view in sources. When interpreting sources, they identify their origin and purpose, and distinguish between fact and opinion. Students develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations, incorporating analysis. In developing these texts, and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts, evidence identified in sources, and acknowledge their sources of information.
A study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period (c.650 CE – c.1750).
How did societies change from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern age?
What key beliefs and values emerged and how did they influence societies?
What were the causes and effects of contact between societies in this period?
Which significant people, groups and ideas from this period have influenced the world today?
Overview of the ancient to moderrn periodThe ancient to modern world (Byzantine, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Ottoman, Khmer, Mongols, Yuan and Ming dynasties, Aztec, Inca) includes the following:
the transformation of the Roman world and the spread of Christianity and Islam
key features of the medieval world (feudalism, trade routes, voyages of discovery, contact and conflic
the emergence of ideas about the world and the place of people in it by the end of the period (such as the Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment)
Depth Study 1: The Western and Islamic Worlds
Electives to choose from:
The Vikings or
Medieval Europe or
The Ottoman Empire or
Renaissance Italy.
Depth Study 2: The Asia-Pacific Worlds
Electives to choose from:
The Angkor/Khmer Empire or
Shogunate Japan or
The Polynesian expansion across the Pacific.
Depth Study 3: Expanding Contacts
Electives to choose from:
Achievement Standard: Year 8 History
By the end of Year 8, students recognise and explain patterns of change and continuity over time. They explain the causes and effects of events and developments. They identify the motives and actions of people at the time. Students explain the significance of individuals and groups and how they were influenced by the beliefs and values of their society. They describe different interpretations of the past. Students sequence events and developments within a chronological framework with reference to periods of time. When researching, students develop questions to frame an historical inquiry. They analyse, select and organise information from primary and secondary sources and use it as evidence to answer inquiry questions. Students identify and explain different points of view in sources. When interpreting sources, they identify their origin and purpose, and distinguish between fact and opinion. Students develop texts, particularly descriptions and explanations, incorporating analysis. In developing these texts, and organising and presenting their findings, they use historical terms and concepts, evidence identified in sources, and acknowledge their sources of information.
A study of history from the end of the ancient period to the beginning of the modern period (c.650 CE – c.1750).
Overview of the ancient to moderrn periodThe ancient to modern world (Byzantine, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Ottoman, Khmer, Mongols, Yuan and Ming dynasties, Aztec, Inca) includes the following:
Depth Study 1: The Western and Islamic Worlds
Electives to choose from:
Depth Study 2: The Asia-Pacific Worlds
Electives to choose from:
Depth Study 3: Expanding Contacts
Electives to choose from: